Planning a trip to Mexico? Let us be your guide to the diverse climates and topography of this beautiful country. With its vast range of landscapes, from mountains to deserts to stunning coastlines, the best time to visit Mexico depends on the region and activities you have in mind. From whale watching to surfing, monarch butterfly migrations to vibrant festivals, there is something for everyone at different times of the year. Whether you prefer fewer crowds or ideal weather, we'll help you navigate the seasons to ensure you have an unforgettable experience exploring all that Mexico has to offer.
High season
The high season in Mexico runs from December to April. During these months, the country experiences pleasant weather conditions, making it an ideal time to visit. The temperatures are generally mild, ranging from comfortable to warm, and the skies are mostly clear. This makes it perfect for enjoying outdoor activities and exploring the various attractions that Mexico has to offer.
December
December is a popular month for tourists in Mexico as it coincides with the holiday season. Many visitors choose to spend their winter vacations in Mexico, escaping the cold weather in their home countries. The festive spirit is in full swing, and there are numerous events and celebrations taking place throughout the country. From vibrant Christmas markets to traditional posadas, December offers an immersive cultural experience.
January
January continues to be a busy month in Mexico, especially during the first week when the holiday season is still in full swing. The weather remains pleasant, and tourists can enjoy visiting popular destinations such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. Additionally, January is an excellent time to explore Mexico's rich history and visit ancient ruins such as Chichen Itza and Teotihuacan.
February
February marks the end of the high season in Mexico. The weather remains favorable, and tourists can still enjoy warm temperatures and sunny days. It is a great month to explore beach destinations such as Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, and Riviera Maya. Additionally, February is a fantastic time for whale watching along the Pacific coast, where visitors can witness the incredible migration of humpback whales.
March
March is a transitional month in Mexico, as it marks the end of the high season. The weather remains pleasant, and tourists can still enjoy the benefits of the high season, such as clear skies and comfortable temperatures. One of the notable events in March is Semana Santa (Holy Week), which is celebrated with fervor and grandeur throughout the country. It is a time when locals and tourists come together to participate in religious processions and festivities.
Shoulder season
The shoulder season in Mexico falls during the months of July and August. During this time, the country experiences slightly lower tourist numbers compared to the high season. However, the weather remains favorable, making it an ideal time to visit Mexico for those who prefer a quieter vacation.
July
July is a great month to visit Mexico if you want to avoid the crowds typically seen during the high season. The weather is still warm and suitable for beach activities, making it a perfect time to explore Mexico's stunning coastlines. Additionally, July offers opportunities for cultural immersion, as many traditional Mexican festivals and events take place during this month.
August
August is another month in the shoulder season, and it offers similar advantages to July. The weather remains warm, allowing tourists to enjoy outdoor activities such as snorkeling, hiking, and exploring historical sites. Additionally, August is an excellent time to experience Mexico's diverse cuisine, as many food festivals and culinary events take place during this month.
Low seasons
The low seasons in Mexico occur during May, June, September, October, and November. These months see a significant decrease in tourist numbers, making it an ideal time for travelers seeking more privacy and tranquility.
May
May is the beginning of the low season in Mexico. The country experiences fewer tourists compared to the high and shoulder seasons, allowing visitors to explore popular attractions without the crowds. While May is generally a dry month, there is still a possibility of rain showers. However, these showers are typically short-lived and do not significantly affect travel plans.
June
June continues the low season in Mexico, offering similar advantages as May. The weather remains favorable, with warm temperatures and sunny days. However, there is still a possibility of rain showers, so it is advisable to pack a light rain jacket or umbrella.
September
September marks the end of summer and the beginning of the low season in Mexico. The country experiences a decrease in tourist numbers, allowing visitors to enjoy a more authentic and less crowded experience. The weather in September is generally pleasant, with warm temperatures and a lower chance of rain compared to the previous months.
October
October offers similar advantages as September, with fewer tourists and pleasant weather. The temperatures begin to cool down slightly, making it a comfortable time to explore outdoor attractions and engage in outdoor activities.
November
November is the last month of the low season in Mexico. The weather remains moderate, with cooler temperatures compared to the high season. November is an excellent time to visit Mexico if you prefer a quiet and peaceful vacation, as the tourist numbers continue to decrease. Additionally, November is when Mexico celebrates the iconic Day of the Dead, offering a unique cultural experience for visitors.
May and June
May and June are great months to visit Mexico if you prefer uncrowded travel. The high season has come to an end, and tourist numbers decrease significantly, providing a more relaxed and intimate vacation experience. During these months, you can explore popular attractions, such as ancient ruins and picturesque beaches, without having to deal with large crowds.
However, it is important to note that May and June also come with the possibility of rain showers. While these showers are generally short-lived, it is advisable to pack a light rain jacket or umbrella to be prepared. Despite the occasional rain, May and June offer pleasant weather with warm temperatures, making it a fantastic time to enjoy outdoor activities and immerse yourself in the beauty of Mexico's landscapes.
Fall months
The fall months, including September, October, and November, also provide an excellent opportunity for uncrowded travel in Mexico. The tourist numbers have significantly decreased compared to the high and shoulder seasons, allowing you to explore popular destinations without the hustle and bustle of the peak months.
Similar to May and June, fall months in Mexico may also experience occasional rain showers. However, the weather remains generally pleasant, with cooler temperatures compared to the summer months. This makes it an ideal time to engage in outdoor activities such as hiking, exploring nature reserves, and visiting historical sites. The fall months also coincide with the iconic Day of the Dead celebration in November, providing a unique cultural experience for visitors.
Dry-season months
The dry-season months in Mexico span from November to March. These months offer pleasant weather conditions, making it a popular time for tourists to visit. The temperatures are comfortable, and the skies are mostly clear, providing an ideal setting for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
However, it is important to note that the dry-season months also come with higher prices and larger crowds. Due to the favorable weather, many tourists choose to visit during this time, resulting in increased demand for accommodations, attractions, and transportation. Therefore, it is advisable to book your travel arrangements well in advance and expect higher prices during the dry-season months.
Wettest months
August, September, and October are the wettest months in Mexico. During this time, the country experiences a high chance of rain showers, particularly in coastal areas and regions with a tropical climate. While the rain showers can be frequent, they are usually short-lived and do not significantly disrupt travel plans.
One advantage of visiting during the wettest months is that travel costs tend to be lower. With fewer tourists and decreased demand, accommodations, flights, and attractions often offer discounted prices and promotions. If you don't mind occasional rain showers and want to save on travel expenses, the wettest months can be a great time to visit Mexico.
Whale watching
Mexico offers fantastic opportunities for whale watching, both on the Pacific coast and the eastern coast. The best time for whale watching on the Pacific coast is from December to March. During these months, humpback whales migrate from the cold waters of the North Pacific to the warm waters of Mexico. Visitors can witness these magnificent creatures breaching, tail slapping, and swimming alongside their young.
On the eastern coast of Mexico, the best time for whale watching is from mid-May to mid-September. During this period, different species of whales, such as Bryde's whales and sperm whales, can be spotted. These gentle giants migrate along the eastern coast, providing visitors with spectacular sightings and unforgettable experiences.
Surfing
Surfing enthusiasts flock to Mexico's Pacific coast for excellent wave conditions. The best time for surfing is from May to October, coinciding with the low and shoulder seasons in Mexico. During these months, the Pacific coast receives consistent swells, creating ideal surfing conditions for both beginners and experienced surfers.
The warm waters, picturesque beaches, and consistent waves make Mexico's Pacific coast a paradise for surfers. Popular surfing destinations include Puerto Escondido, Sayulita, and Zihuatanejo. Whether you're a seasoned surfer looking for challenging breaks or a beginner looking to catch your first wave, the Pacific coast of Mexico offers a wide range of surf spots to suit all skill levels.
Worst times to visit Mexico
The worst times to visit Mexico largely depend on personal priorities and preferences. If you prioritize good weather and want to avoid rain showers, the worst times to visit Mexico would be during the spring and summer months. These months, particularly June, July, and August, tend to be the busiest and most crowded, with a high influx of tourists from around the world.
Alternatively, if you prioritize fewer crowds and are willing to tolerate occasional rain showers, the fall months, especially September and October, may not be ideal for your visit. These months see a decrease in tourist numbers, making it a great time to explore Mexico without the crowds. However, it is important to be prepared for rain showers and pack accordingly.
In summary, Mexico offers diverse climates and topography, making the best time to visit dependent on the specific region and activities desired. The high season from December to April provides pleasant weather conditions and a vibrant atmosphere, but comes with higher prices and larger crowds. The shoulder season in July and August offers a quieter experience, while the low seasons in May and June, plus September to November, provide opportunities for uncrowded travel. Depending on your priorities, there are both wet and dry season months that have their advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, the best time to visit Mexico is subjective, and it is important to consider your preferences and interests when planning your trip.
